Dear Sir,
I am delighted to see the results of the survey referenced in your article "For safety's sake, skip the playground games" 28 July, which reveals that parents recognise the benefits of outdoor play in childhood. But I can assure your readers that the supposed rules which ban skipping, conkers and other such pursuits are myths. There are no health and safety regulations which ban these activities.
The Health and Safety Executive is very much focussed on the real risks to life and limb in Britain's workplaces. We very much want children to take part in outdoor activities which teach them how to deal with risk - not avoid it. That way they have fun and they learn important life skills before they enter the world of work.
Yours faithfully
Judith Hackitt
HSE Chair
HSE Westminster Office
6th Floor
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith St
London SW1P 3BT
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